Highlights
Hike the enchanting volcanic trails all over Iceland on this 5-day adventure tour
Enjoy the tranquility of Vatnajökull National Park and the majestic mossy landscapes.
Observe moss-covered lava fields extending to the horizon from the top of Mt. Sveinstindur.
Hike through a lava forest where the rock formations have hardened into “trees.”
Spend each night in rustic accommodation far removed from civilization. Just you and the outdoors!
Prices
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- Itinerary
- Dates & Prices
- Accommodation
- Included
- English-speaking mountain guide
- Sleeping bag (rental available)
- Shower in mountain hut (payable on site)
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Anything not mentioned as “included”
- Sleeping bag rental
- Hiking poles rental
- FAQ
- How hard is the Volcanic Trails Trekking Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Iceland?
- Are meals included on the Volcanic Trails Trekking Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- What should I have with me on this trek?
- Sturdy Hiking Boots – waterproof with good ankle support
- Long sleeve shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic
- T-shirt (thermal underwear), Wool or synthetic
- Light wool or fleece sweater (2nd layer)
- Trousers – Strong and light material that dries quickly e.g. soft-shell
- Jacket with a good hood – windproof, waterproof and breathable, e.g. Gore-Tex or comparable
- Rain trousers – windproof, waterproof and breathable. Please note that full raingear is mandatory in Iceland, poncho is not useful because of wind
- Gloves – Wool or synthetic 2 pairs of different thickness
- Socks – Wool or synthetic. Two or three pairs
- Warm hat – Wool or synthetic
- Swimwear if you want to bathe in the hot geothermal pool in Landmannalaugar
- A duffel bag for the transport of your overnight gear between huts. Please avoid bringing a suitcase!
- Day backpack for extra clothes and lunch pack during the day. 25 – 40L (1500 – 2500 cu in)
- River shoes – Walking sandals or old running shoes with a good grip are a good choice, along with a pair of warm socks or neoprene socks. Open sandals or flip-flops will not do the job
- Sleeping bag. A basic sleeping bag with no specific temperature rating is sufficient for this trek since all the huts are heated
- Towel – lightweight and packable
- Sunglasses & sun protection
- Water container – thermos flask, water bottle 0.5 – 1L. or Camelbak
- Headlamp for reading and getting around the hut
- Change of clothes for wearing in the hut
- Personal first aid kit – including blister care
- Prescription medication and other personal health items
- Toiletries; Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap etc
- Earplugs
- Lunch box
- Walking pole(s). To preserve the vulnerable nature please keep the rubber tip protectors on.
- Power-bank / extra battery for your electronics – small solar cells usually do not work that well in Iceland, so a pre-charged power bank is a better option. Charging your electronics in the highlands often is not an option or will cost you extra. Having converters adapters for 220 V and/or USB will help.
- Gaiters (recommended for departures in June and early July)
- Pocket knife
- Sun/rain hat or a cap
- Shorts
- Small thermal mat (to sit on for lunch breaks)
- Puffy jacket (e.g. Primaloft or down)
- Dry-bags for electronics and extra clothing
- Slippers for indoor use
- Pillow or pillowcase (to wrap around your warm sweater or down jacket for a pillow)
- Playing cards and travel games – or other toys you might like and can travel
- Cash– for the showers, a shower normally costs about 500 ISK
- Book - to read during the evenings
- Aperitif or other heart-warming spirits
- How do I get to Reykjavík to start this tour?
- Is the Volcanic Trails Trekking Tour in English?
- Where does the Volcanic Trails Trekking Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Iceland?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Iceland?
- When is the best time to travel to Iceland for this tour?
- Reviews
- Tour Operator
Volcanic Trails Trekking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Reykjavík to Sveinstindur
Welcome to Iceland! Head to the Reykjavík bus station to meet your guide and group and hop on the bus towards the trailhead. When you start the trek, be prepared to be astounded by the epic landscapes of high peaks and icy lakes. Today, you’ll climb Mt. Sveinstindur (the Explorer’s Peak), leading to views overlooking volcanic lands dotted with lakes and mossy peaks, an a beautiful viewpoint of the Vatnajökull glacier. Afterwards, you will descend to your rustic mountain hut on the other side. Enjoy an Icelandic dinner prepared by your guide and get a good night’s sleep immersed in this enchanting land.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 6 km, 605 m of ascent, 520 m of descent
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2 Hike to Skælingar
After breakfast, continue your trek along the Skaftá River and into the dramatic Hvanngil Canyon. The trail leads through striking volcanic landscapes before reaching the unusual lava formations of Skælingar, where twisted shapes rise from the surrounding terrain.
Continue through this remarkable landscape until you reach the mountain hut, where you’ll settle in for the evening and enjoy dinner with the group.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 18 km, 6-8 hours, 350 m of ascent, 525 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Trek to Álftavötn via Eldgjá (Canyon of Fire)
Once you’ve finished breakfast, pack up for a truly adventurous day. Walk along volcanic trails of hardened lava covered in moss, then descend into Eldgjá, the Canyon of Fire – an impressive geological formation of high cliffs, vivid green moss, and cascading waterfalls. Your path then leads us towards the picturesque lakes of Álftavötn, traversing through lush green hills while following the meandering river Syðri Ófæra.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 21 km, 7-9 hours, 350 m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Trek to Strútur
Fuel up on breakfast for a big day. Follow your guide into the magical terrain and notice the changing landscapes from meadows to black-sand deserts with vivid moss streaks. In the afternoon, rejuvenate your muscles in the inviting Strútslaug natural hot spring. Forge on after the warm dip to the mountain hut in Strútur, with vast views of the green hills surrounding you.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 24 km, 8 hours, 300 m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Return to Reykjavík
Spend your final morning enjoying the peaceful surroundings, with time to relax or head out on a hike near the hut. After your last lunch, board a private 4×4 for the journey across Mælifellssandur, a vast expanse of black volcanic sand, as you make your way back to Reykjavík. Arrival in the city is expected at approximately 7 pm.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: N/A
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Volcanic Trails Trekking Tour Price and Dates
This guided tour in Iceland is always run as a group tour on select dates, therefore the price per person is fixed.Prices below are per person:
Accommodation on the Volcanic Trails Trekking Tour
This tour is based in traditional mountain huts. The huts are basic but do provide running water, flushable toilets, or outhouses, and fully equipped kitchens. You can choose to bring your own sleeping bag or rent one from the tour company.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Single rooms are not available on this tour as mountain huts only have shared dormitories.
What’s included in the Volcanic Trails Trekking Tour?
Meals
All 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 4 nights is included in the tour.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is included during the tour. Transportation from Reykjavík at the beginning of the trek and back to Reykjavík at the end is also included.
Also Included
Not included
Optional Extras
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. You should be comfortable hiking for up to 8 hours and sleeping in remote mountain huts during the tour.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
All 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
Please check the list below:
Boots and Clothing
Other gear
Optional gear
You can reach Reykjavík by plane from many major European and North American airports. You will make your own way to the bus station in Reykjavík to start the tour.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
The tour ends in Reykjavík.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Iceland for trekking is July and August when the weather is warmest.
Icelandic Mountain Guides are a boutique adventure tour company that has been sharing the best of Iceland’s beautiful wilderness since 1994. Their passion for nature and adventure drives them to provide quality, fun and educational experiences for their guests. They are also committed to the environment, carbon neutralizing all of their day tours.
